United States consumer prices have increased less than expected in September as inflationary pressures continue to weigh on the domestic economy.

The consumer price index (CPI) report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday shows that prices rose by 0.3 percent in September from the previous month, a slowdown from the 0.4 percent increase in August.

Compared with this time last year, the CPI increased by 3 percent. Last month’s report showed a 2.9 percent increase.

The gains were led by the price of petrol, which rose by 4.1 percent on a monthly basis. Overall, the index for energy rose by 1.5 percent over the same period. Food prices rose by 0.2 percent in September after a 0.5 percent increase in August on a monthly basis.

Prices for goods and services outside of food an

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